According to reports, this town is the poorest in North Carolina.

America’s Neediest Cities in 2024: Where Support Is Needed Most

Across the United States, many people face serious financial challenges, from homelessness and food insecurity to lack of access to quality education and healthcare. According to recent data, around 11.1% of Americans currently live in poverty, highlighting a growing gap between the economically stable and those struggling to meet basic needs. While poverty affects the whole country, some cities face greater levels of hardship than others.

To identify the most economically and socially vulnerable cities, WalletHub analyzed 182 cities, including 150 of the most populated. The goal was to pinpoint where people need the most support—whether due to high unemployment, poor mental health, low educational attainment, or other factors that reduce quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at the cities most in need, how they were ranked, and where North Carolina’s urban centers stand in the overall picture.

The 10 Neediest Cities in America (2024)

According to WalletHub’s report, these are the top 10 neediest cities in the U.S., based on combined scores in economic well-being and health & safety:

1. Detroit, Michigan
2. Gulfport, Mississippi
3. Brownsville, Texas
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Shreveport, Louisiana
6. Laredo, Texas
7. Augusta, Georgia
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
9. Corpus Christi, Texas
10. Birmingham, Alabama

These cities scored poorly across multiple categories like child poverty, unemployment, crime, mental health, and economic mobility, meaning residents often face multiple barriers to living a stable and healthy life.

How WalletHub Ranked the Cities

WalletHub’s analysis was based on two main factors:

1. Economic Well-Being

This included data like:

• Unemployment rate
• Homelessness rate
• Food insecurity
• Income inequality
• Job growth
• Economic mobility

2. Health & Safety

This factor included:

• High school dropout rates
• Crime rates
• Suicide rates
• Access to healthcare
• Mental health conditions

Each of these was measured using 28 key metrics, offering a detailed look at the combined pressures people face in different cities.

North Carolina’s Position in the Rankings

Six cities in North Carolina made the list, with Fayetteville being identified as the needist city in the state:

• No. 59 – Fayetteville: Faces challenges in economic stability, high poverty, and limited upward mobility.
• No. 84 – Greensboro: Struggles with income inequality and food insecurity.
• No. 99 – Winston-Salem: Lower rankings in mental health and job opportunities.
• No. 132 – Charlotte: While a major metro area, pockets of poverty and rising housing costs remain a concern.
• No. 161 – Durham: Improving economic indicators but still has gaps in access to affordable housing and health services.
• No. 168 – Raleigh: Among the least needy cities in the nation, with stronger infrastructure, employment, and social programs.

While Raleigh and Durham fall toward the bottom of the “neediness” scale (meaning they are more stable), Fayetteville’s economic challenges placed it in the top third of all U.S. cities reviewed.

Why This Ranking Matters

The WalletHub report is a reminder that poverty is not only about income, but also about access—to food, healthcare, education, employment, and safety. When multiple challenges pile up in one city, it affects not just individuals but entire communities. Local governments, non-profits, and national agencies can use this data to direct resources where they’re needed most.

While poverty touches every state, some cities are far more vulnerable than others. Cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Gulfport are struggling with deeply rooted economic and social issues. Even in fast-growing states like North Carolina, certain cities like Fayetteville and Greensboro face ongoing difficulties, despite being surrounded by more affluent regions.

Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort between governments, community leaders, and public support systems. By understanding where the need is greatest, we can work toward closing the gap and building stronger, more resilient communities across the U.S.

Source

FAQ: Neediest Cities in the U.S.

What is the neediest city in the United States in 2024?
According to WalletHub, Detroit, Michigan ranks as the neediest city based on combined economic and health data.

What factors determine how ‘needy’ a city is?
WalletHub used 28 metrics across economic well-being and health & safety, including poverty rates, homelessness, crime, unemployment, and mental health.

Which North Carolina city ranked the neediest?
Fayetteville ranked the highest in need among North Carolina cities, coming in at No. 59 nationally.

Is Raleigh a low-need city?
Yes. Raleigh ranked No. 168 out of 182, making it one of the least needy cities in the study.

Why does this information matter?
It helps policymakers and nonprofits identify which cities need the most support in areas like education, health care, and job opportunities.